Oricon reports that Tsunku is going to appear in his first TV CM since removing his vocal cords due to cancer. It will be an Aflac insurance commercial to inform people about cancer insurance. ARASHI's Sakurai Sho will co-star with Tsunku in the CM. Tsunku used a laptop and tablet to communicate during the shoot. Airs 9/1.

lynnkung wrote:^ oh, so he moved for his childrens school and will be travel back and forth? When I first saw the news, I thought he was moving there permanently.

It kind of seems to me like he is moving there permanently. He bought a house and they're using words that translate to "emigrate" and "immigrate." So maybe Hawaii will be considered his permanent residence from now although he'll fly to Japan from time to time to conduct business.

Also..

Starra wrote:^He was apparently able to converse with his wife without the use of a smartphone . Not sure how much he actually talked, but it's great to see him being able to even do it a little bit. I guess it helps that it's his wife though, lol.

...there's a wota-in-translation page that goes into a bit more depth about this here:

Sounds like in public he'll continue to type, probably because he wants to be remembered for his great voice, not as someone with a raspy grunt, but in private he does that esophageal thing so he can return to a normal social life.

Starra wrote:^He was apparently able to converse with his wife without the use of a smartphone . Not sure how much he actually talked, but it's great to see him being able to even do it a little bit. I guess it helps that it's his wife though, lol.

...there's a wota-in-translation page that goes into a bit more depth about this here:

Sounds like in public he'll continue to type, probably because he wants to be remembered for his great voice, not as someone with a raspy grunt, but in private he does that esophageal thing so he can return to a normal social life.

I've never heard of this and i'm super happy for him. Even if he never feels comfortable publicly speaking, it still must be so much more comforting to know he can speak with family and close friends again.

Man.. I've always admired Tsunku, always thought he was such a musical genius. But the way he dealt with what happened to him and the strength he shows every single day makes me admire him as a person too, not just a creator. It's great he doesn't seem to give up, learning to speak for his family but still being mindful of his public image. He's really just a great , genuine person. It's so refreshing to see from someone who's been in that kind of industry for so long.

Holy cow. That is awesome. After a quick skimming, it seems like they are being interviewed to talk about their reflections of the previous years and their goals after they both have overcome their health issues. Prime Minister Abe made references to Tsunku's speech at his Alma Mother last year and Love Machine, saying he wants to creat an exciting Japan like in the song, I think. Will update after thorough reading.

I'm glad Tsunku blessed Abe with his presence. Dude should be grateful.

But seriously, this is pretty neat. It's cool that he's able to have conversations with people in a way. I'm sure it must still be extremely frustrating for him not being able to talk properly, but it's better than nothing with today's technology (I know before people could write down what they wanted to say, but still.